First Aid: Basic First Aid Techniques

## How to apply basic first aid You will now look at the signs and symptoms of some common accidents and how they can be treated. ### Shock It is always wise to treat the victim of any accident in the home for shock, even if the person doesn't seem to be shocked. Small babies and children, especia...

## How to apply basic first aid You will now look at the signs and symptoms of some common accidents and how they can be treated. ### Shock It is always wise to treat the victim of any accident in the home for shock, even if the person doesn't seem to be shocked. Small babies and children, especially, may suffer shock following what appears to be only a minor accident. #### Signs and symptoms - have a pale face - have rapid and shallow breathing - feel sick - shiver and feel cold, but not sweating - feel weak, giddy or faint. #### Treatment - Reassure and comfort victim. - Sit victim down on a chair or lay the person with the feet on a pillow or cushion and the head turned to one side. - Loosen any tight clothing. - Cover victim with a blanket. - Check for the cause of the shock and treat it if possible. - Give victim a warm drink - not alcohol or water - when they begin to recover. ### Burns and scalds As you saw in Book 1, burns are a leading cause of accidental deaths in the home. #### Signs and symptoms - Redness and/or swelling of the area and sometimes blistering. - Shock (shown above). - In the case of a house fire, the victim's clothing may be in flames. #### Treatment - Remove victim from the source of burn or scald. If clothing is on fire, smother the flames by either dousing with water or other non-flammable liquid or wrapping victim in a rug, blanket or coat. - Do not let victim rush into the open air. - Gently hold the burnt part under running cold water, or immerse it in cold water for ten minutes to alleviate pain. - Remove anything of a constrictive nature, like bangles, rings, belts or shoes, from the burnt area before it starts to swell. - If the burn is bad or is in the mouth or throat and the victim is conscious, give sips of cold water at frequent intervals. - Cover burn with sterile dressing to exclude air. Do not apply any lotions, ointments or oil dressings. Do not prick blisters, touch or breathe over the burn. - If the burn is severe, seek a doctor's advice or remove victim to hospital. **Fig 2.15** Make sure a victim of shock is kept warm **Fig 2.16** If clothing is on fire, either (a) douse the victim with water or (b) wrap tightly in a blanket